Art on the Bayou! Downtown’s Fly New Mural

Anthony Rathbun
Art on the Bayou! Downtown’s Fly New Mural

THERE'S NO SHORTAGE of wildlife along the ample trails that line the city's bayous, but soon cyclists, joggers and walkers alike will be able to take in wildlife in another dimension — 2D, that is. Coming soon to the Bayou Greenway trail, at the confluence of White Oak and Buffalo Bayous, right next to the University of Houston-Downtown's One Main Building, is a wildlife-themed mural by Ink Dwell studio co-founder and artist Jane Kim that will showcase some of the birds that make their home in our city's bayous. San Francisco-based Kim is responsible for dozens of public installations across the country highlighting the migration patterns of wildlife.


The Downtown project, announced recently by the Houston Parks Board and Buffalo Bayou Partnership, will be titled Confluence. The behemoth mural, which clocks in at 223 feet in length, will be divided up into three different sections that each feature a variety of birds that rest their tailfeathers along the city's bayous during different seasons of the year. Houston is geographically in the center of North America's largest migratory flyway.

"Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States," says Kim, "and that's not just limited to its people. The region's wetlands attract a spectacular array of bird life, and Confluence is a monument to that beauty and diversity."

Behind the birds will be painted a map of Houston's bayous, which will bring movement and energy to the piece.

"The bayous define our city, bringing wildlife and nature to our own backyards," said Beth White, President and CEO of Houston Parks Board in a statement. "We hope that this mural will be a focal point for trail users and encourage Houstonians to learn more about the waterways that make Houston unique."

Installation of the mural began in early March of this year and is expected to be finished in another couple of weeks.

Art + Entertainment
Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.

Keep Reading Show less

WHAT TO DO when a beautiful botanical garden is overgrown with green briars, poison ivy, ragweed, and other undesirable plant species that prevent the growth of new trees? Call in the goats! Specifically, about 120 super cute goats from Rent-a-Ruminant Texas, who return to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center on Monday, May 20, to partake in a week-long banquet of invasive vegetation, effectively clearing three acres south of the meadow between the South Meadow Trail and the Muscadine Trail along the Outer Loop.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

John and Carly Whitehurst and Claudia and Brad Freels

THE FIRST-EVER Wish Ball was held at The Post Oak Hotel this month, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties